Psalm 25

A song of covenant and wisdom.  

David begins this song with a declaration of trust in God, then immediately pleads for help. 

"Let me not be ashamed, let not my enemies exult over me."  

Immediately, again, he declares truth, that none who wait on the Lofd will be put to shame, 

but those who deal treacherously  without cause.  

'Wait'.  What exactly does it mean to wait on the Lord.  Time?   I can picture myself drumming my fingers in rapid succession on the table top waiting for a specific response to a specific prayer.  No, waiting on God is more of an exercise in trust.  Not our own timing or abilities, but complete trust and dependence on Him in all things.  

David pleads with God using covenental terms:  "God of my salvation", mercy, truth and steadfast love, and goodness, reminding God that these have been established from "of old".   God is the Rock who never changes; His promises and love are sure and steady, unlike the shifting sands, or breezes that blow.  

He then contrasts his life as being unsure and temporary.  "Remember not the sins of my youth."  

God's covenental love is everlasting, but David's sin is recent.....he knows that his life is but a breath....a vapor. God's love is sure and steady, not in flux like anything we know on earth aside from His love. 

He asks God to teach him the way, to teach him HIS ways.  God WILL do this.....for those who are humble and keep His commandments.  The prayer of the humble is noted in verses 4-5....."teach me YOUR paths....lead me in YOUR truth......for You are the God of my salvation and I wait on you all the day.".

I loved the study note on verse 8.....the word 'upright'.   "The mark of His uprightnss is not merely a cold retribution, but a passionate concern for sinners who are wandering.".  

Because of God's uprightness, David is confident to pray for guidance and help, and for forgiveness for his sins, which are acknowledged to be many.  

Once again, David declares the sure blessing of God on those who "fear" him.   This is the one who will be taught by God and blessed by Him.

'Fear'....What does this mean?   "The fear of the Lord is reverence and awe toward God, not life-disrupting anxiety." (study note RSB).  Psalm 111:10 tells us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

Again, David lapses into a lament....He is lonely and afflicted, his troubles are many, his enemies surround him with malice, and his sins need to be forgiven.  

He ends the song as he began it......(I can hear one of my pastors talk about an "inclusio" (sp?)) ....."Let me not be ashamed."  

He will wait on the Lord in proper fear, for he knows that God will preserve him in integrity and uprightness.  

Lord's Day, March 30, 2014

Today, in Sunday School we finished up a 'whirlwind tour' of Isaiah.  An overview of sorts.
But I do not feel cheated.  It was good to see the 'overview' quickly.  Such richness in this book that I overlooked before!  What a beautiful work (could anything God-breathed be anything different, though?)
detailing God's work in history.  God's chosen, His great love for them, their rebellion, His great judgement and wrath, His sovereignty over all the nations, raising them up and using them for His purposes, and His great judgement on them also. His wonderful mercy.   The promise of a Savior.....a suffering servant that will conquer the earth.  Pictures of both Heaven and Hell.

My favorite verse this day:   Is. 66:2b....."But this is the one to whom I will look:  he who is humble and contrite ins spirit and trembles at my word."  

He goes on to speak of religious rituals that do not please him.  His people were faithful to keep the rituals, but their hearts weren't in it....indeed were far from worshiping the one, true and living God.

Father, by your grace, teach me to be humble and contrite.

The sermon was from Ephesians 4:11-16.   Speaking the truth to one another. Building one another up. Maturing. Being Christlike.  I was both encouraged and convicted.  How much of what I say should not be said?   (you who know me please don't answer!).    May the Spirit even more prick my heart and warn me when I am speaking hurtfully,  unnecessarily, or in any way out of line.  

The afternoon was spend studying parts of Hebrews 9 and 10 for a Bible Study this week.  The writer of Hebrews is proving that Christ is a better sacrifice than the old levitical system, which was but a type, or shadow of the once for all sacrifice that Christ would become for us.

Tonight we looked at John 18 1-11   the betrayal and arrest of Jesus.   This great King.....who had ultimate control over the situation, submitted willingly to the will of the Father, to accomplish victory over sin and death, and to be the once and for all, perfect sacrifice for the sins of many, taking on Himself God's wrath for my sin.

The loudest point to me:   Why did not those who watched Him heal Malchus' ear, or were knocked to the ground by the simple power of His name.....I AM,   not fall at His feet to worship Him at that moment?   Because He offended them.  He is an affront to our sinful nature to want to be in control.  They didn't wantto submit to His authority.  

Very encouraging, however to hear again that He lost none of His own.   He had prayed for them, and encouraged them just before these events took place.  And even as He was being taken for His final moments.....He cared for them by commanding that they be let go.  

I know that I will never be lost, because He intercedes for me.  What an encouragement to carry on!

I am so thankful for the Sabbath Day.  Thankful for the faithful teaching and preaching of His Word to us.  I love to be in the house of God on Sundays to hear the Word taught, preached, sung, prayed and spoken.  I am refreshed, and strengthened for a week in the world.

Psalm 24

Humility.

Knowing our place.

David declares rightly that the earth is the Lords, and everything in it.  God alone is the creator of all, and the sustains all.  Everything we can see or know is His.  He established all things and He upholds all things.

In light of that knowledge......the greatness and the power of God......David asks, "Who can go to Him?  Who can stand before Him?".   Knowing God makes us know our own place.  In light of His greatness, we are so small.  Not to mention our sin nature that He cannot look upon.

But He will entertain us in His presence.....

If we practice right actions (have clean hands), that flow from right motives (pure heart), and no deceit (in our hearts or outwardly), and give Him our exclusive devotion and praise (no idols).

(Note the similarity with Psalm 15.......an "entrance liturgy".  )

This great God, the only true and living God, will bless those who seek Him with righteousness and salvation. And this great God, will be victorious over all.....and will bring us in with Him!

The temple is personified....with gates and doors that can stand at attention and lift up their heads.
One study note commented that this song may have been sung when the Ark of the Covenant was brought into the temple.  I wonder if it looks to the ascension of Christ, or of the coming great Day of the Lord when He will bring the bride, the Church to Heaven.   No matter.....all are glorious events, and certainly our God is worthy of great praise and adoration .

Father.......I want to stand in Your presence....and hear you say, "Well done."
But every day, I need my hands washed of guilt, my heart examined for purity, and only You can teach me what the idols of my heart are.  You judge my intentions and actions.  And I am found wanting.....every single day.

But You do cleanse me......every day.  And you have set Your love upon me and called me Your own.  You are faithful to instruct my heart and mind, and to lead me in the paths of righteousness.

I long for that great Day of Christ's return.  To struggle with this life no more and be in Your presence forever.

Psalm 23

I have been waiting to get to this Psalm!

Who grew up in church and didn't have to memorize Psalm 23?  
And who, growing up in America hasn't heard it even quoted in a film or tv show
at a moment of intense sorrow or trial?    (I remember several episodes of Little House on the
Prairie where this was quoted!)

But who paid a lot of real attention to the meaning of it?   I know I really didn't.  Not then.

If Psalm 22 was a song expressing very deep sorrow and alluding to death, now we have Psalm 23......a song of comfort, quiet peace, and trust.

Our God is likened to a shepherd.....and we, like sheep.  
The Shepherd leads......the sheep follow.
The Shepherd provides......the sheep wander aimlessly.
The Shepherd protects.......the sheep trust him and are totally dependent on him.
The Shepherd is powerful and capable.......the sheep are weak and vulnerable.

How often have we heard David speak of his weakness and vulnerability in light of his enemies?  How he has trusted in his God for provision, protection and guidance!

Verses 1-3  indicate provision in physical, emotional, and spiritual terms.  David states that God  does these things without question.  He DOES.  

Then he also alludes to terrible times when he feels like death....but deep down he knows that God is there. He will not abandon his sheep.  Even when it feels like the 'shadow of death', whether actual near death or low, low times, as in Psalm 22, David trusts his Shepherd.  And he is comforted by the rod and staff of the Shepherd.

The rod was used by a shepherd to fight off enemies of the flock like wild animals or perhaps thieves.
The staff was used by the shepherd to guide the sheep....to keep them from wandering into dangerous places.

He will not be devoured by the enemy, nor will he be lost.

The Shepherd treats him like an honored guest....preparing a banquet for him, and his enemies see this!  God treats His own with favor.  The sure hope is that he will be treated like family, dwelling in the house of God forever.

This morning, as I read this Psalm,   I was reminded of the requests of the Lord's Prayer, and the correlation between the statements here of the Shepherd's provision, and those requests.   We honor God's name and speak of our intimate relationship with Him as our Father.  We ask for daily provision of physical needs.  We ask for protection from the enemy.  And for forgiveness when we forgive others.   And for His kingdom to come and His will to be done on earth as in heaven.

Father,....again, words are lame.  They cannot convey the depth of what is in my heart.   It is indeed such a comfort to know You, and to know that you are trustworthy, constant, and present.  No matter what things look like or feel like, I know that You will provide what I need.  And I know, like David, that I won't be devoured by any enemy, nor will I wander and be lost.  Your rod, and staff........they are very comforting.
How I look forward to the great banquet someday,  where You will host all of your beloved children.  There, no enemy will threaten, nothing will lure me away, and You will be the light that makes eternal Day.
There is no enemy in this life that can take this Hope away!

Psalm 22

I have heard much good teaching on this Psalm and am sure I cannot do it justice here.

I have wondered often just how David came to write this song.  Did he recognize the prophetic nature of it?  Were his garments ever gambled off?  Were his hands ever pierced?    I wonder if he wrote it under the influence of the Holy Spirit (well, I know that is true!), but then re-read it and wondered what it was about?

Well, some things I just cannot know.

I can, however read this Word and be amazed by it's applicable nature to both David and Christ.
  David felt abandoned....quite unjustly.  It felt like he was at death's door.  He was weary and hurt,
and felt as though God had abandoned him.   He was ridiculed for his trust in the Almighty, whom he had trusted since a babe.  His turmoil was primarily an inner turmoil.

  Jesus was abandoned by the Father for a time when the sin of the world was put upon him. He didn't just feel like he was at death's door, he was, and did, indeed die as a result.  He, too, was weary and hurt.  He was ridiculed for His trust, and indeed his statement of being God's Son.  His inner turmoil was magnified so much more than David's, and indeed his physical torment was far greater.

This is a song of deep, deep sorrow, yet great hope and promise.  The sorrow is overwhelming, overshadowing both night and day.  It seems to be never ending.  The promise also overshadows.....all of eternity!

In his sorrow, and feeling abandoned by God, David notes that God is holy.  He inhabits the praise of His people.  He remembers the 'father's" trust in Him and how God heard, answered and delivered them.

What he knows and what he feels are different things, though.  He reverts back into lament, calling himself a worm, despised and ridiculed.  He is mocked by others who know of his trust in God.  "Let God help him!" they cry in derision.

Again, David reminds himself of his trust in God......from birth.

Then again, lament. He is weary to the point of death and surrounded by the enemy.

He cries for help from the God he trusts.  And he is heard.  And answered.

As a result, God will be praised in all Israel in David's time, then to generations afterward, and eventually, in Christ, every knee shall bow and tongue confess Him as Lord.

God did not despise either (David, or Christ), in their affliction, but heard their cry and lifted them up.  He set both upon the throne.....David as the greatest political king in Israel with promise of a decendent on the throne forever, and then, Christ as the King of Kings forever. "He has done it.".......I like the Reformation Study Bible comment on this.  "The final victory of salvation is accomplished by Christ."

I have no words to really convey what is in my heart.  Christ cried on the cross, "my God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?"   so that I won't have to cry that.  He, God's Son, became the final, perfect sacrifice, shedding His own blood and taking upon Himself the judgement for my sin, so that God's wrath satisfied on Him, for me.  Words are lame, and cannot speak the deapth what my heart feels.

I am so thankful for the Word that we have!   And for the free gift of grace we have been given!

Psalm 21

If Psalm 20 was the prayer before battle, Psalm 21 seems to be the post battle prayer of thanksgiving.

David, and the people, had asked for help in times of trouble (going to battle usually is trouble!), and that the desires of the king's heard would be granted.   I assume this means winning the battle.

These request certainly apply to the spiritual battles we face today.....

Here, the king rejoices because his heart's desire HAS been granted, and he has triumphed in the battle.
The Lord has heard, and has responded with many blessings because of the trust placed in Him by the king, and the people. I love verse 7:  " For the king trusts in the Lord, and through the steadfast love of the Most High he shall not be moved."    Remember the theme......the godly will STAND?

Verses 8-12 speak with certainty again of the judgment of God upon the wicked.  Those who rebel against Him will face His wrath.  It is sure, and final.   Note verse 11:  "For they intend evil against You; they devised a plot they cannot perform." (KJV)   Other Psalms have spoken of the wicked falling by their own schemes.  Self promotion, self rescue, self protection.....all fail in the end.

Note the king's attitude.   I was struck with this:  he takes no glory for himself.  He isn't self promoting and proud.  No, but he gives God credit and glory for his triumphs and indeed his kingship.  God has done it.  Not himself.

Ok......so the present application?   I am convicted about how often my triumph over my enemies is more about me than it is about giving God the glory for it.  I have grown in this, but as usual the more I grow, the more I see my shortcomings and must confess them to God.  I am a proud person.  I want credit, pats on the back, and accolades.  But the truth is, short of God's grace and help,  I am one very messed up chick.  I falter and fail, I give up easily, and I deceive myself into thinking that it's all ok, 'cause I got this!.  NOT!

Father........I am so thankful for Your great patience with me.   I give You the glory for all of the victories You have granted me.  And I am thankful for the battles that I must fight in order to know my place before You.   Often I have said that you keep me at square one so that I don't get puffed up and cocky, like I'm something special.  You know well that I get self sufficient when I haven't had a battle or crisis in a while.
Help me, Oh God.......give me strength for every battle!

Psalm 20

War Prayer

This is the prayer of the people for their king as he prepared for battle.
Likewise, it applies to us today, as we prepare for daily spiritual warfare.

It begins with prayer......for God's help and protection in time of trouble.
I love how the NKJ version reads in verse 1...."May the Name of the God of Jacob defend you;...."
I think of the names of God in Scripture......primarily "I AM".    Israel knew this name.....they had the stories of Moses handed down to them.  When God gave his name to Moses from the burning bush, it was simply, "I AM".  No beginning,  no end.  No points of reference regarding where He was from or where He lived, or who he came from.   He is.   Period.  Just that ought to throw us on our knees before Him!

We fight the wars of life best when He is our defender.   On our own, we fail.  Sin rears its ugly head in all we do.....even when we try to do good.   It bodes well with us to begin each day with a prayer for God's help and direction for every situation.  I haven't prayed yet that the 'Name of the God of Jacob' would protect and help me......but maybe I'l have to go there........

We ask Him to remember our obedience   (offerings and sacrifices), and reward us with victory over our enemies.

And we ask Him to grant our heart's desire, and fulfill our purpose.   What, though, is our desire and purpose?  This requires much thought, I think, in our society where self is so promoted. Is my desire self-seeking and prideful?    Is it about me?   Or, is it Kingdom minded.....and about bringing glory to God?  To become more Christlike?
Our desire is to conquer our enemies......sin, depression, anxiety, anger, thoughts about things God hasn't ordained for us, bitterness, malice, ........you name it.  

The more we seek Him and delight in His Word (remember Psalm 19.....His Word is sweet like honey and more desirable than much fine gold?) the more we know Him and our desires will line up with His own.
And the more we spend time at His feet in prayer and again in His word, the more aware of our enemies we become.  But all is not lost.....because we have a Helper, Redeemer, and Friend.

Bottom line in living in victory over the enemy and winning the battle?

Trust.   Trust in the only One that can save.  Trust in the name, the I AM.     Our own devices, whether the might of a nation, or the strength of our character, or our significant other base of support......all of these will fail and fall.  But those whose trust is in the great  I AM   will stand upright  (Remember Psalm One......about who will STAND and who will fall?)

Today, we don't offer burn offering and sacrifices, but indeed we are called to be a living sacrifice (Romans)
In order to do this we must call upon the Lord for help.  

I am reminded again of how I lack in praying specifically for help in every battle.   I am learning.....and I am growing.....and I am getting better at it.  But I still fall short of the mark.   Father help me to recognize not only the enemy, but my weakness in fighting it.  Be my Help in every situation, and help me win the battle by Your strength and might, for Your glory. Help me to not become lax in fighting because I am weary, or just turning a blind eye to sin because I enjoy the temporary benefits of it.  Make me miserable until I run to You for help!

Psalm 19

A wonderful Psalm about how God has revealed Himself to us in both creation (general revelation.....visible to all) and in His Word (special revelation).

"The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork......"

Just this evening, I stepped outside and looked up at the sky.  Clouds are moving in.....high thin clouds that were reflecting the suns setting rays.  As I watched, the colors changed, both the blue of the sky not obscured by clouds, and the hues of the clouds as the angle of the sun's rays shifted.  Blues, grays, pinks, oranges, and even some green.    I thought of other scriptures that describe the Lord riding on the clouds like chariots, or how He calls out the constellations by name.  It is beyond my mind's capability to envision a God bigger than what I can see.  But I know He is there......first because I see His nature in the skies.

Often, in the mornings, as I drive to work, I am praying and thanking God for the day.  I have found myself thanking him for both the sunlight, as it makes me think of His glory (so bright that we cannot see it and live!),  and for the clouds and mist that are often the make up of the morning commute.  In them also, I see the Lord....for other scriptures speak of Him as being shrouded in mist and clouds.   Most often, I think, the clouds and mist are involved in descriptions if His anger and righteous judgement.

How can one enjoy the created order.....not only the beauty of it, but it's complexity, and say there is no God?  The processes that God decreed and set in motion cannot be thwarted or stopped.  They are universal and apparent to all.  One cannot escape or hide from God! Romans tells us that all of mankind knows of Him through creation, yet suppress that knowledge.  When I look at the world around me, though it groans under the curse of sin, I see the magnificence of my Father!

God's Law is equally delightful, or should be to any Christian.  It revives and converts us, makes us wise, makes us rejoice (I recall David's distress in earlier Psalms about how the ungodly have multiplied all around him, but he still found hope in God's Word!), enlightens us, is everlasting (no shadow of turning!), and is true and righteous beyond anything we can comprehend with our sinful, finite minds.

God's Word does not change......like the whims of man-made gods do.  What He has said, stands.  He will do all He has said.  His word is so true that He swears by himself regarding promises.....and we know that it will be!

His Word is more valuable than much fine gold, and sweeter than pure honey, fresh from the honeycomb.

Both creation and the Word teach us of our position before God....
    He is Holy, sinless, infinite, all mighty, true and unwavering.
    We are NOT holy, sinful, finite, weak, deceitful and faltering.
We come to know our sin when God is revealed to us,  both our sinful nature, and our specific sins.

"Who can discern his errors?"    the answer is no one.  Only God can know us that well.  So the Psalmist asks God to declare him innocent from the faults hidden to himself.  But also to help him keep from willful sin.

It is only by God's grace that we can be made clean.

"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer"

Father.......I tremble to think of the majority of the time that my thoughts are NOT acceptable in your sight, nor are the words of my mouth!  So, with David, I plead that you would teach me of my sin daily, and forgive.  There is no hope for me save in You, the creator and redeemer of my soul.

(tomorrow is forecast to be cold and blustery.......and I am dreading it.  But.....I will lift my eyes up, and seek Him in it, and praise Him for His handiwork, and thank Him for warm places to be!)

Lord's Day, March 23, 2014

I am so happy that God has brought me to this place in life.

I can't recount just how He did it, or even when He began the process,  but He has taught me to cherish the Sabbath, and to keep it as best I can.

I recall the times when Sunday was just a 'go to church because that is what we do' kinda thing.  There was really no teaching about 'keeping' the Sabbath.  Indeed there wasn't much effort put into it at all.  Jokes were made about the "(insert denomination name here) nap", but as for other aspects of the Sabbath, other than going to church, there wasn't much emphasis placed on it.

I have learned, through trial and testing, good teaching, and study of the Word, however what a delight it is to keep the Sabbath.  I look forward to Sundays.  Saturday, I try to prepare for rest on Sunday by getting all of the errands done.  I put gas in the car and do the shopping on Saturday for the most part, and plan to spend Sunday reading (not for pleasure), and studying, or in fellowship with other Christians.

I have also developed the habit of preparing for worship by spending time in prayer on Saturday evening, when I am home alone anyway.  I will work hard through the day, then after dinner, sit outside (weather permitting) with a cup of coffee as the sun goes down, praising God, thanking Him, confessing sin, being quiet before Him, praying for others and for my pastors and their families.  This is such a sweet time to me.  I cherish it!

Sunday mornings, I spend more time praying outside on the patio.....listening to the birds and enjoying the sunshine or rain, whatever the case may be.   Once again, I pray for the church activities of the day, asking God to speak to us.

Faithful Sabbath keeping 'keeps' us for the week......it sustains us and gives us strength and encouragement for the week ahead.  Our spirits, minds, and bodies are refreshed.

Today, I was blessed by the Word in Isaiah 56 and 58....about God's favor and blessing on those who keep the Sabbath as He commanded, who delight in it.   Formalism is not something He desires.....going to church just because we do, or thinking that just the act of going merits us something.   No....God despises formalism, but blesses those who delight to keep the Sabbath.

A part of developing a delight in keeping the Sabbath is pursuing God by abiding in His Word and in prayer.  It is not in our nature to do either one, really.  It takes effort and intention, and indeed is quite a struggle at times. But the more I delight in sitting at His feet, the more I want to be there.  His Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.  It is the way to know Him.

~~~~~~~~~~
It was a delight to hear our pastor speak the call to worship this morning from Psalm 18:
  I love you oh Lord my strength.  The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.  I call upon the Lord who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies. ........The Lord lives, and Blessed be my rock. And exalted be the God of my salvation....

The Sermon was from Romans 12:   Present your bodies as a living sacrifice.......
My thoughts are scattered, as I don't have time to develop them fully here:

We are to abhor what is evil and hold fast to that which is good.   'Abhor' indicates an intense negative reaction to something.   As I quoted earlier on Psalm 12 post......"Where there is no disapproval of evil, wickedness flourishes." We are to react violently against it.

There is so much struggle involved in being a living sacrifice.    It is so hard to be 'in the world but not of it." We are here,we are sinful, and our nature is to conform to the world around us.  In truth, we become molded to be like what we spend the most time pursuing.  If we pursue the things of the world, we will be worldly.  If we pursue godliness, as directed in the Word, we will be transformed to be like Christ.

I love the point the pastor made about living sacrifices jumping on and off the alter!  How true!

So much more to say....but sleep calls.  

Thank You Father, for establish a Sabbath Day for us.  Thank You for calling me out of the stagnant waters I used to tread.  Thank You for renewal and blessing.  And even for trials and testing.  Make me 100% Yours!

Psalm 18

A song of intense gratitude and thanks to God.  

This Psalm appears also in 2 Samuel 22.....just before David's last words and death are recorded.
I wondered if this was an end of life remembrance of the long journey his life has been, resulting in a very intense, heartfelt praise, awe and worship of his God.   Study notes suggest that the Psalm was more likely written at the time David became king.   Either would work.  Timing doesn't matter.   David's heart is full, and he gives expression to it.

He expresses his love for God, who is his rock, fortress, and deliverer, strength, shield, 'horn of salvation' (denotes to me a sure salvation.....to be trusted in and relied upon.  Something to grab hold of and know that you are safe), and stronghold.  God is worthy to be praised, and thus David will call upon Him.....knowing that God will save him from his enemies.

He recalls desperate situations.....near death (reality and figuratively), being overwhelmed by the ungodliness around him. (recall Psalm 12?)
He recalls, also, that he called upon God during these times, and God heard.  And reacted.

God's reaction is described in cataclysmic terms. Earthquakes, lightnings, thunderings, hailstones and fire.
God is depicted as a warrior going into battle.  Bows, arrows and the like.  
He is also depicted somewhat as a dragon too, I think.  

Bottom line is this.   God wins.  Always.   And we win, only by His strength and might.  He rescues his people.    David speaks of broad places that God has placed him in.  My mind is drawn back to the days when David was running from Saul.....through the mountains, deserts, and even to other countries.  No doubt when someone is hunting for you, broad places just aren't where you want to be. The paths were often narrow and winding, rocky and slippery. David hid in many a cave. But God, with great triumph, has brought David safely through those times/places to set him in a 'broad place' free from the pursuit of his enemies.  He has truly delivered!  I am reminded of Psalm 16:5-7  about 'lines' falling to him in pleasant places.

David remembers that God's reward is for his righteousness.   His hands were clean from any evil, and God has rewarded him greatly.   Study notes were helpful here:   David isn't boasting of self-righteousness, but demonstrating that God loves righteousness and hates sin.  Often in his Psalms, David speaks of determining to live righteously, but gives God the credit for enabling him to do it.  

I love v 25-27.  God is fair.  Beyond anything that you or I can conceive of as being fair.  He judges righteously, both the good and the bad.   We can know that He is not fickle.....He always rewards rightly.

It is only by God's help that David has been the successful warrior that he is.  David isn't proud or puffed up about his rise to the kingship.   He gives full credit to God.

The psalm ends with an outburst of praise.  "The Lord Lives!  Blessed be my Rock!.  Let the God of my salvation be exalted."  God is given credit, once again, for David's success as a king.  He is to be praised to the ends of the earth.

Psalm 17

David stands tried and true, confident and peaceful in a desperate situation.

Sometimes I wish we had more information.   What's the background of this prayer of David.  Which situation is he facing when he prays this prayer?  

He begins by asking God to listen, to hear and give attention.  This seems like a moot point when
put up against David's many statements about how God will rescue and deliver His own, and his confident expressions of God's love and steadfastness.  Why ask Him to listen, if you believe He already knows?

Yes, God does already know everything about you and the situation.  But prayer is beneficial to us.....in that it keeps us in relationship with Him.   We come to Him as children to a father, asking for help and substance. Prayer before Him helps us focus on WHO He is and our weakness before Him.  

Here, David is sure of his innocence (this makes me think maybe he is accused of wrong?) He states that God has tested and tried him and found no evil in his heart.  Rather than try to establish his own rightfulness, he asks God to vindicate him.  How wise!  When we defend ourselves, doors open for sin to creep in.....pride, self advancement, over confidence in our abilities, anger toward the other party, and harsh words that injure.  But is God vindicates us.......the job is done well indeed.

David has determined ahead of time to speak wisely, and not sin with his mouth.   I know I need to take the same attitude.   Often I do, only to fall very quickly.

But David took the next step......He not only determined to not sin with his mouth,   he asked God to help him in this.  He asks God to make his steps sure so that he will not slip.  Oh that I would always do the same!    How quickly I become self sufficient.

David, again is confident that God hears and will save.   A study note in the RSB says it this way....."God treats His own as especially precious."

The situation is desperate it seems....the enemy is compared to a lion ready to pounce and eat.  He is surrounded!  But even in this situation, this prayer doesn't seem as intensely emotional as other have.  David seems to be quite peaceful and confident......Even when he asks God to rise up and act!

I love how verse 14 and 15 contrast the wicked and the righteous again.

The wicked only have the here and now for their pleasure and comfort.  They amass goods and accolades, possessions and money, yet their only hope for the future is to leave it all behind to their families.  After that, what?  David says that they 'are satisfied with their children, and leave their posessions to their babes.'

Bu what of the godly?  Simply this:   we will be satisfied when we see God face to face......when we awake in His likeness.   We have a sure hope for the future....beyond the grave, while the wicked do not.

So thankful for the promises of God, the hope for eternity (a SURE hope, not an 'i wish' kinda hope)
Thankful for this Word where He has revealed Himself to us.  Thankful that He calls us to come to Him in prayer, and that He hears.    Thankful for the shadow of His wings.  And even the testing of my soul, both when He finds no evil and when He does find it and roots it out.

Psalm 16

A pleasant and peaceful Psalm.  Praising God for His watch-care over him throughout life.
Praising Him for the refuge that He provides, and for ordering his steps, and making life pleasant over all.

The study notes couldn't decide if this poem was penned in a crisis or a time of peace, or perhaps near the time of David's death.  

Even if in time of crisis, however.....there is an abiding peace that passes understanding that is well known to the one who dwells with God.

David recognizes, first, his position before God.   "My goodness is nothing apart from You."
Isaiah 64:6 states that all of our righteousness is but filthy rags.    We must recognize that we are
sinful creatures, sinful from birth.  Sin isn't only an act you commit, it is a nature you are born with.  And
a holy, righteous God cannot look on sin.  Even when we are 'good' here on earth, that goodness, apart from God's grace, is tainted by sin.  

Verse 3 has always seemed awkward to me.....out of place.   A note in the Reformed Study Bible makes it make more sense....(.I need to get some of my pastor's advise on this one...)
An alternative reading would be:  "To the saints in the land, the excellent in whom is all my delight, I say...."
Wishing I had learned more Hebrew in Bible College  :-)

Once again the way of the wicked and the righteous are contrasted.  The one who runs after idols (other gods, and idols of the heart!) will know sorrow upon sorrow.   After all, where is their hope?  Can their gods really DO anything?  Do the things we chase after that are not what God has ordained for us really satisfy and offer protection, peace and a sure hope for eternity?   Don't even acknowledge them.  Don't participate, or even speak their names, David says.

But....because David has chosen the Lord as his portion, his cup is full, and his life is ordered by the Most High.  (I am reminded of Mary, whom Jesus said had chosen the 'goodly portion' in one translation, or 'the good part'  by choosing to sit at Jesus feet and learn from Him instead of letting the perceived 'important' things of life take her away from attending to Him .....Luke 10:38-42)   David has chosen, the Lord as his portion.  We too, must choose this.  It takes effort.  Intent.  Determination.

But oh the results! .....pleasant places and a beautiful inheritance!  The love of Christ exhibited in the church body.....the assurance of His sovereignty and the sure hope in His promises.  Even when trouble comes, there is an inner peace that passes understanding (Phil 4:7).  Isaiah 26:3 says that  those who trust in God, and whose 'mind is stayed on Him' will be kept in perfect peace.     This is a peace that the ungodly do not have.

God.....the only true and living God,  communicates with us.   There is relationship there, unlike the false gods.  He gives us counsel and instructs us in the night.

Once again......David knows that he will STAND.

And because of this, he is able to rst in hope, and be glad.

Verse 10 carries with it some of the 'now and not yet."     It most definitely applied to David, in that he had the sure hope that death wouldn't be the end of things.  NKJ study notes said it best, "he is confident that the future is secure, for both flesh and soul.  His faith extends beyond the grave."  David did indeed die, but he knew of better things to come beyond the grave.

Acts 2:27 and 13:35 indicate that David was also speaking of Jesus, who did not see corruption by the grave, but rose from the dead and is alive in Heaven now.

Trusting in God provides light on the path of life, and joy in the living.

And pleasures forevermore.  

Psalm 15

"Entrance Liturgies"

Per the study notes in both versions of Scripture I study from (Reformed Study Bible, and New King James Study Bible)  this is one of the poems/songs know as entrance liturgies.  The people would ask questions about what was personally necessary for one to enter the tabernacle, and the priest would answer back.
(See also Psalm 24:3-6,  Isaiah 33:14-16)

Notice that all of the requirements involve practical living.....rather than ceremonial ritual, or liturgy.  It wasn't the one who brought the right sacrifices, or an abundant offering, or wore the right clothing, or had the right pedigree, or said just the right things.

Who may come into the presence of God?    The one who:
   walks uprightly
   works righteousness
   speaks the truth in his heart
   does not backbite with his tongue
   does no evil to his neighbor
   does not take up or receive a reproach against his friend
   who despises a vile person
   who honors those who fear the Lord
   who swears to his own hurt (doesn't falter, keeps his word even when it isn't to his advantage)
   who doesn't exploit his brother by charging interest on a loan (which was meant to relieve extreme need)
   who doesn't take bribes against the innocent.

First thought:   Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

"who speaks the truth in his heart'  This pushes buttons that make me want to jump on my soap box.
  Note that nothing is said about speaking untruths.  But the internal realm of the heart is where this must be nurtured.  I cannot find it now, but elsewhere in Scripture we are told that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.  You cannot tame the tongue without taming the heart.  This, I believe is why this requirement is listed before the next one.

In my mind this screams  REALITY.   Know and dwell in reality. Think rightly about God, others, and yourself.  This takes effort.  Lots of it.  Especially in the times we live in. Our society does little to encourage living in reality. Think of the fantasy video games many spend hours participating in daily.  Or....how 'bout the unrealistic entertainment we choose to fill hours with on our tv?  Movies and shows that are far from realistic, and even glorify sin, yet we turn a blind eye to that and fill our senses and minds with such garbage!  You cannot speak the truth in your heart if you fill it with lies!

How about our thoughts?  I have been convicted about having conversations in my mind with others that perhaps have hurt me, or I am angry with.....conversations that have not happened and probably won't, yet the next time I see that individual, my attitude toward them is shaped by that unreal, imaginary conversation I had in my head!

I run to Philippians 4:8   Whatever things are TRUE, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report; if there is any virtue, or anything praiseworthy, meditate (think on, mull over) these things.

The one who may enter God's presence recognizes evil and reacts to it, but honors those who fear the Lord.

He who does these things shall STAND (never be moved).   Remember Psalm 1?

Psalm 14

Fools.  Corruption.  Practical atheism.

David seems to be looking around him at the state of affairs of his family (perhaps), his people, and the world as he knew it at the time, and sees that things just aren't right.

Fools say in their hearts, "There is no God."   I know that I react very intensely to anyone who says that.   Makes me want to duck under a table to avoid immediate judgement on them that just might spill over on me!   Actually, I have heard that very few times in my life.   It is a very bold thing to state that there is no God.

But what about practical atheism?   Those who "would not assert the impossibility of God's existence (yet) still live as though He were not." (note from the study notes in my NKJV).  We are surrounded by these folks.Reference Ecclesiastes 2:14:  "The wise man's eyes are in his head, but the fool walks in darkness.  Yet I myself perceived that the same event happens to them all." Study notes refer to this as being oblivious to reality.    Yet do we react to their form of declaration of no God as violently?   Usually not, I think.

Let's go a step further.......do I ever live like that?     I hang my head at the years of life that were just like that for me.

David goes on to evaluate life around him......"there is none who does good.  No not one.".

I am reminded of Romans 3:23. "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God."

Yet further.....I was reminded of Romans chapter one.  We are told that all mankind does indeed know about God through His revelation of Himself and His attributes in creation.  No human will be without excuse.  However, we have not honored Him or given thanks.  Our foolish hearts are darkened because we refuse to acknowledge Him

A note in the Reformation Study Bible stood out to me:  ".......They smother and quench, as far as they can, the awareness that general revelation provides of the transcendent Judge and Creator, and they transfer the ineradicable sense of deity to unworthy objects.  This in turn leads to drastic moral decline and misery...."

Is this what David was reacting to?

In verse 4 he states that evil becomes so commonplace and easy that it is like eating.  And it will draw us in if we are not careful.  It will eat us up!

But, again,  there is hope.   The wicked, who live either denying God outright or live as if He doesn't exist, live with fear.....of failure; of judgement, really, because they know deep in their souls that it is coming; of their own means becoming sparse or corrupt themselves, etc, etc, They fear because God's reality and nature are revealed to them in creation, and they know, deep down that judgement is coming. They fear their cover being blown.So their talk is big.  They shame the counsel of the poor (spiritually speaking, I believe, as in the beatitude, "blessed are the poor in spirit....").

The godly one puts his trust in the Lord and takes refuge in Him. And the fears really vanish.  Yes, we will deal with momentary fear about various issues.  But the constant, nagging fear that drives the wicked will not assail the righteous.....for we know our Redeemer lives, and is our shield and protector, a refuge in times of trouble.

How we long, still, to see salvation from the evil of the world around us!  I want to ask, at times, with David in Psalm 13, "How long?"   Yet what a blessed comfort to know that He is patient, and that He is building His kingdom, and the gates of hell cannot stand against it!    All He has said, He will do.

Father help me to never, ever, live like the practical atheist.   Help me to live in such a way that is winsome and pleasant to the ungodly around me, and to know Your pleasure.  Teach me when I fall back into lax ways that stem from the sin that I am born with, that I struggle with every day.  And thank You, Thank You!  for the revelation of Yourself through creation and Your Word!

Psalm 13

Impatience.  


We want deliverance NOW.  We want to have the answers NOW.  We want to be rescued NOW.   We want to see the wicked judged NOW.

But God's timing isn't our own.  We are finite, and usually can't comprehend anything beyond what is directly in front of us at any given time.  But God is infinite, and knows no boundaries of time or space.  He knows the past, present and future.

David's cry here is one of desperation it seems.  And perhaps impatience with God?  He has expressed over and over his trust in God as his refuge and deliverer.  He knows that what God has said He will do.  But sometimes our finite minds just don't cooperate with what we know and believe to be true, and we get into these desperate emotions.

He feels like God has forgotten him.  He sounds depressed and alone.  It seems that the enemy is winning.

But in these feelings....David doesn't grow bitter and arrogant toward God and turn from Him.   No, he runs to Him in prayer!  He asks God to relieve his misery.....to lighten up his eyes, and rescue him from this present misery.

And again.....he expresses his unwavering trust and confidence in God's steadfast love.  It isn't a wishy-washy kind of thing....waxing and waning like we know.  But everlasting.  Strong.  The same forever.

Then the Psalm ends with praise for all that God has already done, and , I believe, confidence in that God will yet deliver him from the present trouble.

Help my faith, Oh Lord.   And help me to trust you so fully that I know You will do what you have said You will do.  Let me rest in the refuge that You provide, and look to the end.....being with You forever with a new body, that isn't given to such great fluctuations of highs and lows.  

Lord's Day thoughts.....

I think that today I will take a break from the Psalms (back at it tomorrow!), and reflect on
several encouragements from worship today.

In Sunday School, we are studying the book of Isaiah.  Today, as we looked at chapter 55, so many verses mirrored the Psalm themes so far.

The contrast between the righteous and the wicked has been a major theme.  The Psalmist begins with a contrast of the two, and in black and white terms tells us just how it will be with either one.  The righteous will stand before God, the wicked will not.

The Psalmist expressed raw, real emotions, but always, always, expresses right before and/or behind that a sure hope and confidence that God will help, strengthen, protect and defend the righteous.

David has plead with God for the wicked enemies to be taken OUT.....to be judged harshly by God.
He has wondered out loud what is taking God so long to do this, when he has promised that He will.

God is patient.   And His timing is perfect, even when it seems to us that it isn't.  He who knows all, surely can be trusted to plan not only the events of our lives and indeed the course of the nations.

Isaiah 55:7....."Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts;  let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and abundantly pardon."

Next time I want to ask for God to judge the wicked as He said He will.......I will remember first of all His great patience with me.  And the verse above......He gives the wicked a chance to repent.  Ample time to forsake his way and return to the Lord.  All I need to do is trust that what He has said, He will do.
Hebrews 10:23..."Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.":  David does this well.

Isaiah 57:15b stood out to me also.  God says, "I dwell in a high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the heart of the contrite."

God almighty,  the great I AM, stoops to consider us, and delights to dwell with us when we acknowledge our sinful, needy state.  The wicked are proud and arrogant toward God, boasting in their own means.

Also from today:

The song our choir sang today was beautiful, both in melody and word:

Be still, my soul.
Be still, my soul, before the Lord, for God is always near.
Before your mind is moved to pray, God listens and will hear. 
You need not multiply your words, nor pray with practiced art.
Beyond all speech, God understands the hunger of your heart.

Wait, then, in quiet confidence, your anxious thoughts at rest.
God knows your needs before you ask, and works for what is best.
Be still, my soul, before the Lord; on God in patience wait.
God's love, unseen, surrounds your life; God's help will not be late.
Be still, my soul.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Yes.  Be still.  How difficult to do in a society that values constant 'noise' and entertainment.  

Be still, and know God's comfort and presence.  Be still, and take the time to cry to the Father about the concerns of life.Be honest, he already knows your heart. Remind Him of His promises in prayer.  And be patient.  "His timing will not be late." 

And finally, a quote that was pretty thought provoking.  Part of me wanted to shout, Yes!, while another part of me cringed at my own sin here.  

From Kevin DeYoung in The Good News We Almost Forgot pages 232 and 233. 

   "The great danger we have, living in such an affluent society, is the evil of self-reliance......This is why prayer is so essential for the Christian......There may be many reasons for our prayerlessness--time management, busyness, lack of concentration--but must fundamentally, we ask not because we think we need not......We do not trust in God alone.  Prayerlessness is an expression of our meager confidence in God's ability to provide and of our strong confidence in our ability to take care of ourselves without God's help...........If we never pray, the problem goes much deeper than a lack of organization and follow-through.  The heart that never talks to God is the heart that trusts in itself and not in he power of God.  Prayerlessness is unbelief...."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 Even when I 'get it', and have seasons of very fruitful and meaningful prayer,  I still find myself sliding back into old habits during times of ease particularly.....forgetting to pray, or forgetting HOW He has taught us to pray, or allowing busyness to overwhelm every minute of the day so that there is no time to spend in prayer.  

Hope I didn't disappoint anyone reading the blog by not progressing to the next Psalm today.   

Come back tomorrow! 

Psalm 12

Another lament.  A "cry of an innocent person beset by enemies,"  per a study note.

This time, David is feeling alone in his devotion to God.  It seems that he has no
fellowship with other believers; can find no godliness in those around him.  All speech
seems idle, and people flatter and deceive, saying one thing but their heart believes something else.

David asks God to intervene.....to stop the flattering and proud speech.  The attitude of the enemy spoken of here seems to be this: "My tongue is my own,  I'll say what I want to.  Nobody can tell me what to say!"
(how like our society is this?!)

Ah, but once again we see the confidence and sure hope that God will act.  The oppressed and needy will be granted the safety they long for

A praise for God's steadfastness.  His holiness, truth, and everlasting love:  
His words are pure.   Like silver purified seven times.   That's mega-pure in Hebrew thinking.
As opposed to the words of the wicked, who flatter and deceive.

 I really like the note in my New King James study Bible for verse 8:
  "vileness suggests what is cheap as opposed to that which is worthy.
When there is no disapproval of evil, wickedness flourishes."

Once again, how like our society is this?  We have, as a nation, and I daresay many who call themselves Chrstians, become increasingly nonchalant about what God calls evil.
We allow ourselves to be entertained by it.  We turn a blind eye to it.  Indeed before long,
we find ourselves participating in it......all the while deceiving ourselves with the notion that it really doesn't matter.....God isn't concerned about such things.

This notion has spilled over into many of our churches, turning a blind eye to sin, while trying to be a comfort to the 'poor and needy.'  Teaching the people that God isn't concerned about any of it.....and telling lies about what He has said in His word, indeed denying His word as truth.

I (we, YOU) should be on guard.....seeing that we are not guilty of this sin.  Asking God to reveal any deceit or flattery that is in our own hearts.  Just as He sees the poor and needy, and will help,  He sees the wickedness of our hearts, and will discipline and judge.

One more thought on the 'poor and needy':   Certainly we do have the poor and needy with us always.  Indeed I know I have found myself there.  I know some for whom this means more the physically, financially, and tangibly needy only.   Forgotten is the fact that we are all poor and weak in spirit, needing to be rescued from our sin, bought and redeemed by the only One Who can do so.

Father,  do, I pray, arise, as David asks, and stop the wicked in their tracks and bring justice to your creation.  Forgive us for approving of evil, if not outright, then by turning a blind eye.  In not denouncing it, we approve it.  Make us wise and discerning, to know when we are in danger.  Give us boldness to stand against all that opposes you.  And, like David, help us to know beyond all shadow of doubt, that You are steadfast and true, and you will do it!
 

Psalm 11

David begins this Psalm with a statement he's made many times:
"In the Lord I take refuge."       A simple, strong statement of where he stands, Whose he is  amid so much trouble.

It is as if I were to say, when there is a storm approaching outside on a summer afternoon, "I am going in the house now."    There, I'd find shelter from the wind, rain, and lightning.

There's a storm brewing in David's world.  Probably not brewing, but raging full force.  We aren't told of the specific occasion for this particular Psalm, but we know David's life was filled with turmoil from without.  His brothers belittled him; Saul hated him and tried to kill him;  Absalom tried to overthrow his kingdom;  he knew God's judgement over him for his grave sin of adultry and murder; he lost children, both in infancy and as adults; and he faced attacks from outside his kingdom.

And in the middle of that storm, he is told by the faint of heart to flee.  "Fly like a bird, David!  Because they're coming! And they are prepared to take down your kingdom!"

The study notes in my Reformation Study Bible indicate that the point is, that if the foundations of the (political) kingdom are destroyed, (i.e. military, economy, etc.) what can you do ?  Even if you are a righteous man?

David isn't rattled by the threat.  He isn't wishy-washy about his stance.  He doesn't listen to bad counsel.

No, but instead he notes that his God is enthroned on High.  He sits in His holy temple watching the ways of men.  And not just watching, but weighing the motives of the heart.

He will judge.  No doubt about it.  David uses cataclysmic language to describe their judgement, indicating that it will be swift, sure, horrible and final.

The judgement of God will be the "final portion of their cup."  In spite of their arrogance in Psalm 9 and 10, stating that there is no God, or that He doesn't see, or won't take action against them.

Again, the study notes in my Bible point out the 2 cups of Scripture.  The cup of God's wrath against sin, or the cup of blessing for the upright, righteous who obey Him and put their trust in Him.


"All have sinned and come short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23.  Yes.  

Christ became obedient unto death.....counting it nothing to be made like us, so that He could become the perfect High Priest, Sacrifice to take our sins away once and for all, and Mediator between those who believe and God.  He bore the wrath of God's judgement for my sin on the cross.   And because he cried, "my God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"     I won't have to.  

My heart is overwhelmed with gratitude and brokenness that He did this for me.

Psalm 10

The notes in both of my study Bibles indicate that Psalm 9 and 10 are really one Psalm.

If that is the case, we need to take them together.

Psalm 9 expressed intense praise for all of God's mighty deeds, then railed against the wicked, and spoke of God's steadfast, eternal nature.   He, alone is righteous and holy, and just and will sit on His throne forever.  The Psalm ended with a cry for God to act....to show Himself, and 'not let man prevail'.  To humble the wicked to know that they are but men.

Then we move directly into a questioning 'why?'  Why does God stand far off and seemingly allow the wicked to prosper?

The Psalmist bemoans the arrogance, boasts, curses, pride, rebellion, deceit, oppression, mischief and iniquity of the wicked.  They are haughty toward God's decrees.  He curses and renounces God, saying, "there is no God,", and that he is far off and won't act....or doesn't see.

And to the righteous......the wicked seem to have no troubles.  They seem to prosper and have no consequences for their sin.

 So the Psalmist, who knows God's character, and how history will run (Psalm 2!), cries for God to act.
We want to see the wicked stumble and fall, then be no more.

But even in the middle of this discouragement, he reminds himself, and his readers, that God does see,  and He will act.  And that He is a king forever, while the nations will crumble in the schemes they have laid out to ensnare the weak and oppressed.

and I love how the last verses tie in to the last verses of chapter 9.

In 9, he pleads for God to act, and let man not think more highly of himself than he should.

In 10, he announces with confidence that God will hear and strengthen the afflicted.  Justice will be done.  And 'man of the earth may strike terror no more.'

Once again, I am sure my troubles are nothing compared to that which David faced.   I well know, however the plea for God to act.  Someone I knew once who seemingly knew the Lord and served Him, rebelled against God in a very alarming way.   I will never forget the chilling words spoken to me one night."I don't serve the same God you serve anymore.    I serve me!".   It frightened me, because I know, with David. that His decrees will stand, and that He will judge.

I have plead with Him to take down the wicked before, asking in frustration, "Why do you let the wicked prosper?!  While I have trouble upon trouble?"  The only answer is found in the precious truths of Scripture.....God is faithful and true, patient and kind.  But His holiness demands that he judge sin.  He WILL judge, and the wicked who say there is no God, or re-invent Him to be other than He says He isfor their own convenience  will be like the chaff that the wind blows away.  Like the tree NOT planted by the waters, that withers and dies.  Like the unfruitful bough that is cut off and burned in the fire.  It might not happen the way I imagine it, or the way I would execute it, but I can rest assured that God will do it.

But......lest I get a little prideful about my own standing.......I have learned that if I am going to pray God's judgement on someone else.....am I willing to ask Him to lay me bare also?  To root out and reveal the sin in my own heart?    Ouch.  He will do this too.   And it makes me much more humble, and willing to wait patiently for His will to be accomplished in history.

Psalm 9

Another thing I'd like to know when I reach Heaven......the meaning of the musical/liturgical terms found in the headings of some of the Psalms, and in the text of some.  Do these refer to tunes?  types of music such as ballads, or mournful tunes, or joyful, upbeat ones?  To they indicate what instruments were to be used?

I try to picture these 'songs' being sung, not read as we read them.  Oh how I would love to hear them!

David begins with an outburst of praise.  I get the impression of a very intense moment in worship here.  David is not offering lip service (as we are so guilty of at times);  not a performance because he's been told this is what you do;  and not just repeating phrases out of sheer habit.  This is intense, involving all of the senses, mind, and spirit, whose hearted praising God for all of his mighty deeds.    No doubt David is thinking of his own life, but also the history he's been told of how God brought his ancestors out of Egypt and into the Promised Land.

He expresses, again, a sure confidence and hope in God's victory over his enemies.  He has:
   'maintained my just cause',
   remained on the throne issuing righteous judgements
   taken rebellious nations and peoples down
But He, God, will be enthroned forever.

He is :
  a stronghold for the oppressed and in times of trouble.  He will not forsake His own.
Recalling His deeds will bring praise to our lips!

On a more personal note: David issues a plea for help.....asking God to see his affiction. Then he expresses once again confidence in that God will hear and lift him up,  so that he can tell of all that God has done and rejoice.

As stated before, the wicked will fall by their own traps.and will be no more.

The last 2 verses are a little scary to pray in these days....."Arise O Lord!  Let not man prevail; let the nations be judged before you!  Put them in fear, O Lord!  Let the nations know that they are but men!"

I am afraid of the judgement of God against us as a nation......but can stand confident with David, that His truth and righteousness will prevail, and that His judgements are good and righteous.

I keep thinking of prayer.....and how David runs to God, asking for relief an for God to judge the wicked, yet at the same time expresses very sure confidence that this WILL be done.....it is God's character.  Why pray, if God has already decreed that it will be?   If we KNOW that it will be done?   We pray because He has commanded us to.  We pray because it reminds us of who He is , and who we are.

Thy Kingdom come, truly, Oh Lord!

Psalm 8

At the beginning of this study I saw for the first time some order to the placing of these songs.  

I wonder, though about the placement of all of them.  Our current hymnals have some semblance of order, with songs grouped by theme for the most part.  I suppose there may be some of that in this book, but then you get one like this psalm,  which seems to have been misplaced if you look at things by theme.  

Psalm 8 is placed in the middle of a group of lament psalms, which all express emotions opposite of praise.  The Psalmist usually opens the psalm with praise, but then lets loose with some raw emotion.  

Psalm 6 and 7 were laments, and those immediately following 8 are laments, but here, in the middle, we find a wonderful praise song.  

It has been my experience in life that people have trouble expressing both good, and bad; positive and negative; joy and sorrow, etc., at the same time in life.  Maybe not in the same moment, but in the same season of life.  For instance, thinking it a bad thing to feel joy and gladness at any time while mourning the death of a loved one.  

I recall the Dean of Women at the Bible college I attended who would not allow a frown on your face.  If she saw you with a frown, or anything but a gleaming smile, she would reprimand you for not being joyful.  I used to think that hogwash.  Would she have said that to Jesus as He wept over Jerusalem?  Or to David when he was swimming in his tears?  Or to Peter when he wept bitterly over denying Jesus? 

 I think both are acceptable.   We can know deep, deep sorrow, and experience abiding joy at the same time.......and there is nothing wrong with expressing both.  

David knew this well, and here, smack in the middle of his laments, he breaks into song about the majesty of God.  

He is the creator of the universe, and uses the weak to express His strength.    So great is His creation....so magnificent......yet He is mindful of us.   I am reminded of Isaiah 40, where he speaks of the nations being but drops in a bucked, and we like grasshoppers before the God who stretched out the heavens and calls out the sun, moon, and stars each day.  He 'sits above the circle of the earth' raising up and taking down kingdoms and helping His people.  

He has given us dominion over this earth to tend and keep it.  

Indeed, His Name is majestic in all the earth! 

Father, help me more and more to be able to express a clear and abiding joy in the midst of deep sorrow and troubled times.  May I remember Whose I am, and the course of history as You have prescribed it.  

May I always hide in the shadow of Your wings for comfort and refuge.  

Psalm 7

There are several things I've always said I want to know more about when I get to Heaven.  First, I want to see a video of the scene in the temple on the day Jesus was crucified.  I want to see what ensued when the veil was torn from top to bottom.   

Second, I want to hear Jesus words to the 2 disciples on the road to Emmaus.   What an awesome sermon that must have been!  

Third,  I want to know who Cush is and what he said to or about David.  

All we know of the reason for Psalm 7 is in the heading, "A meditation of David which he sang to the Lord concerning the words of Cush, a Benjamite."        Nowhere else is this mentioned.  But whatever Cush said, it rattled David.  Really shook him up.  

Right off the bat, David speaks his sure trust in the refuge he has with God.  No whining, no ranting and raving. No 'why me?!'.  

David seems very weary in this Psalm.  Tired of running, of being pursued, of being slandered.   So he turns to his God.  

He is sure of his innocence, yet is willing to be laid bare by the One who knows our thoughts before we think them.  He is willing to take the punishment for his wrong, if indeed wrong is found in him regarding the matter.  He ASKS to be laid bare.  

(I personally struggle with praying that way......very scary! for I know me well enough to know the depth of my sin, but God knows me better than I know myself!)  

He cried for judgement against his foes, confident in his righteous Judge.  

Verse 11 "God is a just judge, And God is angry with the wicked every day."   Another version read a little differently, and the picture that came to my mind was somewhat the antithesis to this.  
I know as a parent, at times I needed to and should have reacted to some sin in my children, but was just too tired, or too overwhelmed, or just lazy. So I ignored it.  Eventually, I would blow up at them about it.     But God is not so.  He is angered by sin to the same degree, all the time,  EVERY DAY.  

And He is fair.  Very fair.  Fair beyond anything that you or I can conceive of as being fair.  All sin, All the time, makes Him angry, and he will judge all of it with equity.  

Oh, but He is patient!  And longsuffering!  He gives ample time and instruction to turn back from sin, to confess and repent, and live according to His truth.

But.....you can mark His words.....he will judge!  

Those who continue in sin do so to their own demise.  God will turn their mischief on their own heads, and eventually, they will come before Him and either STAND, or be blown away like the chaff.  (remember Psalm 1?)

And after speaking all these things  ('meditating' as the heading says it...)    David is compelled to offer praise to the righteous God who is his shield and deliverer.  (and Who could lay bare the intents of his own heart also!)  

Psalm 6

I have spent a long time thinking on this Psalm.

I wondered if David is asking God not to be angry with him for asking for relief,
or if he is asking for relief from God's wrath which is causing his grief and trouble.

Is his "how long?' in reference to the duration of the punishment or the seeming delay in rescuing him?

Also,.....what is the trouble?   One note in my study bible indicates that some think it is a health problem, and that the 'foes' mentioned are those like Job's friends who blame it on him.   I can hear it now...."if you only had more faith...."    or "there must be some sin in your life...".

Or...is this some deep spiritual distress?  Or perhaps his enemies pursuing him hotly and he is exhausted and weary?

At any rate, David, being David knows how to pray.

Several things stood out:  
  He recognizes God's sovereignty in all things.  Whatever the problem is, he sees that God is the author of it and is the only One that can help.

  He is transparent and honest in expressing the problem and his emotions.
 
  He reminds God of his expressed character......"steadfast love".   One study note expressed that the Hebrew word here "indicates how devotedly God  binds Himself to His people by His covenant."
David reminds God of this covenant and that it would be against His character to break it by letting David languish.

  He expresses a sure hope in that God will do what He has said He will do.....defend and protect His own, and judge the wicked.  He knows that God has heard his plea and will rescue.

I recall a time when I was 'languishing'......and spending a lot of time crying in my bed at night, pleading with God to do something.  I was lonely, feeling quite rejected, unheard and ignored;  in desperate need of fellowship and leadership,  God heard, and rescued me.  Through a lot of trial, He disciplined me, and revealed some of my own character that was lacking in His eyes.  But, His discipline is sweet, in that it accomplishes His glory, and my good......which is to become more Christlike.

And that is a very scary thought.  I have so far to go!  Will it require more of that discipline to make me into what He wants me to be?  

But.....I know my God.   And that He is just beyond anything I can imagine, loving me better than any one on earth ever could, and He is steadfast and true.  

Praise Him!

Psalm 5

This is the first study I've done in Psalms, other than just reading.  I am amazed at the themes that have been developed and are threading through them thus far!

The theme of the first 2 Psalms is present here also.   David is sure of his commitment, calling , and decision.  He knows whose he is, and he not only knows about God, he KNOWS Him!

Psalm 4 closes with a statement of peace...."In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord make me dwell in safety."

Psalm 5 opens with a cry to the God of his salvation in the morning.  He runs confidently to his God, and then watches for God to act, confident in his protection, provision and judgement of the wicked.

The plight of the wicked is again stated, as in Psalm 1.....only with different words.   Basically, they cannot stand before a holy God.  

Beautiful, though, are the words of verses 7-8:  David, knowing he is a sinner, is confident of God's steadfast love and will enter His presence because of that alone.     "But I, through the abundance of Your steadfast love, will enter Your house."  He asks God to lead him and make his way straight.  TRUST.

He, in confidence that God will do what He has said He will do asks God to deal harshly with the wicked, his enemies.  "Make them bear their guilt.....let them fall by their own counsels."      David has chosen not to "walk in the counsel of the ungodly" as in Psalm 1.

He takes refuge in the only true source of refuge there is:  his God.  All who do so will 'sing for joy'  and will be covered by Him.  

I am learning......to trust Him so fully.  I have not known trouble like David did.....no one has sought my life; I've not had to flee.   I have, though cried out to Him in distress over many things, and He has answered in some pretty awesome ways, both tangibly and spiritually.  But how quickly I grow confident and self sufficient, sometime quite willfully, but most of the time this creeps up quite subtly and I am blind to it.
Then, God, in his great love and mercy, teaches me of this sin, and calls me to run to Him yet again and still, He covers me and protects me.       A friend and I spoke recently of how God keeps us @ the proverbial "square one' so that we are dependent on Him.  What mercy!  For He knows that I am completely not dependable!

Psalm 4

This psalm is very comforting to me.  It is a song of confidence and hope.

God hears.   He hears his righteous, those whom He has set apart, when they cry
to Him for mercy and relief.  While others seek empty, foolish things and notions
that are worthless, God knows His own, and has set them apart and hears their cries.

Verse 4 seems out of place....."Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still."       It seems like David is doing a little self-talk here to me.   Perhaps he is angry at the ones mentioned above.  Perhaps this Psalm is to be read in conjunction with Psalm 3 and he is angry with his son?  At any rate, he speaks a great way to deal with anger.  Be quiet.  Think about it.  Mull over it.   Of course from the viewpoint provided in Psalm one and two:  with a heart settled on seeking God's wisdom and acting upon it, and knowing that He sets the course of history and will triumph in the end.

God will reward with perfect peace  those who 'offer the sacrifice of righteousness'

The righteous one will live in gladness.....more so than the wicked when they have great wealth.....because his trust is in God and no other.

Peace.   Peace that will allow me to lay down and sleep in the midst of great anxieties and trials. If you've ever been up at night with worries or fears, you will understand how sweet this is.

While I can rejoice with David in the sweet, peaceful sleep God gives to me, for I know He is my refuge, I am convicted about being angry, but with sin.   I need to take to heart these words of wisdom; think and pray about it, and just be still.  How many of the problems of life would be solved if I could master this!

Psalm 3

I am so thankful for the Psalms of David, particularly.  They make him real.....like me.  

I went back and read the stories that precipitated this psalm. in II Samuel.  First, David
sins by committing adultery with Bathsheba, then he has her husband murdered.  When confronted by the prophet, Nathan, a curse is pronounced:  The sword would never depart from him and trouble would rise up from within his own family, and for his own family.  

Time moves on, and eventually David's son, Absalom murders his brother, Amnon over the rape of their sister, Tamar. (Lotsa family trouble there! )  Then after a few more years of banishment from the country and the king's house, Absalom begins to do some fancy political footwork, and wins the loyalty of many of the countrymen for himself, AGAINST his father, David, the king.  When the coupe becomes apparent to David, he is forced to flee for his life.  

And he writes this psalm.   I am so glad for the titles that give history for some of the Psalms!  What depth they lend to the meaning!  

Even after his guilt and remorse over his gross sin......even after that pronouncement of judgement because of it......even when things looked bad....really bad.....David knows the sure refuge to be found in God.  I recall the notes from psalm one and two:  There is no refuge FROM God, only IN Him!  David knew this well.  

He speaks the problem:   so many foes! All of whom say there is no hope, refuge, or salvation for him.  

But rather than moan and mumble about it, or take counsel from the wicked, or sit with the scoffers, or walk with the wicked, or rage with the nations, he runs to his God, and praises Him.  

I love verse 3.  "But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory and the lifter of my head." 

My friend, Christy, many years ago said that she pictured a mother lovingly cupping the chin of her sad-faced and hurting child and lifting that face so that the eyes could meet hers, and speaking loving words of comfort and peace.  What a picture!  

I have a note written in my Bible.....that 'glory' means 'substance'.  Oh God, You are my SUBSTANCE.  What I live for, HOW I live, WHY I live.....all that I have is owed to you, both tangible and intangible.  

In the midst of great trouble, David doesn't just name his troubles, but he runs to the only sure source of help and refuge. He doesn't wallow in misery and a 'woe is me' attitude.  He flies into action, seeking God's help.  But there is more to it than just seeking God's help.  He is SURE of it.  There is no wondering IF God will help, or wanting to know when, or how.  Just simply help me Oh God, and then because he is sure of it........ 

  "I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me."  

I love that verse!  

When I am praying, I often use that line when thanking God for who He is and all He does.  There is another verse somewhere that is similar....about when I lay down I am with him, and when I wake up He is still with me.  I draw great comfort from that.  

Oh that I were more like David, and when anxieties, fears, and troubles come, that I would automatically run to God.  He has taught me, through many trials over the past few years, to do just that, but how often I try on my own to overcome them, or allow them to dominate my thought and attitudes before I remember to cry out to the Lord.  And when I do, He is faithful to be just what he has said he would be....my substance, my shield, deliverer, refuge, etc.  

Oh Father!   Thank You for the wisdom in your Word!  For the examples you have blessed us with!  Praise You for being my substance and the lifter of my head!  You have brought me low and broken me to teach me of my own sin and You have lifted me up and blessed me beyond measure, both materially and spiritually.  Thank You for being my shield and deliverer, my refuge and a very present help in trouble!  

Psalm 2

Rage....."noisily assemble" per the ESV Reformation study Bible.
            "throng tumultuously' per the NKJ Study Bible

As I thought about this Psalm today, I was thinking that there is a carry over
theme from Psalm 1.  The words "take counsel" in reference to the nations
took me back to the words of the previous chapter about not walking in the counsel of the wicked.
Indeed, nations that take counsel against the Lord and his Anointed are wicked!

I referred to Dale Ralph Davis' book again (The Way of the Righteous in the Muck of Life)
....and found this:   "This is Psalm 1 to the second power.........This is what it looks like when the counsel of the wicked and the way of sinners and the seat of scoffers goes international."

Mr. Davis also points out that this Psalm is placed so intentionally.  While Psalm 1  speaks to the individual, urging that we must "know where you are going and must be sure you belong to the congregation of the righteous,"  Psalm 2 tells us where history is going.

Throughout history, the powers that be have plotted against God's Kingdom.  But this Psalm tells us that God is sovereign.....his purposes will not be thwarted.  Elsewhere he tells us that he both raises up and takes down kings and kingdoms, using them for His purposes, and judging them.  What He has decreed will be. And someday......all of the wicked will react with fear and trembling and great distress to His judgement of them.

His Begotten.......Christ.....will be victorious.  The nations will be His.

Would it not be wise to come to Him now in fear and trembling....serving Him willingly, and gladly?

After all, those with whom He is angry will perish, but those who put their trust in Him will be blessed.

Once again:  There is no refuge FROM  God,   only IN Him.

I am so thankful that He has given us the Word.  From the beginning, through the promises, the judgements, the prophecies, the gospels, and the teaching of the NT, God has laid out for us in such a marvelous way just what the plan is and what our role is.  I am thankful to know the end before it happens.  What a comfort!

Psalm 1

Black or White?  

Righteous or wicked?

prosperous or not?  

I am a black or white kinda gal.  It is either one way, or the other.  I don't like 'iffy' things.  

So, this psalm has always seemed simple to me.  You are righteous, or wicked.  And the result of either is clearly marked out for us.  

In thinking about this psalm today, it seems to me that the 'walk, stand, sit' theme covers pretty much all of our lives.  The things we do, the places we go, the company we keep, the thoughts we think.  We are to be intentional about the things we avoid.......like the advice of the wicked (in opposition to God's Word), participation in sin with others, or keeping company with those whose actions and attitudes are not Chirstlike.  

Our nature is to be people-pleasers.  We want to fit in with those around us, to be held in esteem by them; to be included; to be wanted.  I think this is one major reason we do, as Christians, wander at times into the counsel of the wicked, the way of the sinner or the seat of the scoffer.  Hence the warning here at the beginning of the Psalms. 

We are called to be set apart.  Different.  In, but not of, the world.  

Our delight is to be in the law of the Lord.   There is a note on the ESV version I have on my tablet that says "law" is synonymous with "instruction".  

We are to delight in 

     Walking in the counsel of His Law.....

     Standing in the way of righteousness......

     Sitting in the seat of those who proclaim the Truth and are not ashamed of it.  

If we will do this, we will prosper.  Ahhhh.....but there's the hook.  That word prosper that is so misinterpreted by many!   What does this mean?  That I will have all I want or could ask for?  That I'll be rich, have a big, wonderful family, or live a long, healthy life?  

The picture of the tree by the waters brings the word "flourish" to my mind.  This is prosperity.....that we flourish.  We grow. We produce fruit. We do not die when drought comes.  We are strong.  We STAND.  

And simply put,  "The wicked are not so."   They die. They are fruitless.  They wither.  They are blown away like so much chaff.  They FALL.  

I recall a Sunday School quarter a while back where we used a book by Dale Ralph Davis called "The Way of the Righteous in the Muck of Life"....looking at the first 12 Psalms. I liked his answer to his own question, "Why is Psalm 1, Psalm 1?"  

     (page 14)  "Because it packs a matter of such supreme importance. Here two ways, two humanities, two destinies are clearly spelled out."   

 He references Christ's words from Matthew 7:13-14: 

    "Enter by the narrow gate.  For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.  For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few."

There you have it.   Black and White.  There is no middle ground.  

In my Bible I have some notes written by Psalm 1, taken down during some class or sermon sometime......   One points me to John chapter 15 where Jesus tells us to abide in Him.  

The other is a simple note that states in summary:  "There is no refuge FROM God, only IN Him."  

So......how to apply this to life?  Does God's 'instruction' occupy my thoughts, drive my intents and actions all day long?  Or am I wandering along in the counsel of the wicked, the way of sinners and the seat of the scoffers?  

Am I entertained by those things that God calls wicked or sin?  

Do I delight in His instruction?  Do I seek the wisdom from His Word and pray as He taught us? 

Do I delight in spending time with the righteous  or the wicked?  Where would I rather be?  

Or am I like the wicked man who will not stand in the judgement, but will be blown away like the chaff on the wind?